The 9 Best Smart Plugs, According to Our Hands-On Experience

ProsExcellent user-friendly appEnergy-monitoring featureCompatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKitNo hub required ConsNot sold individuallyKasa’s app is its calling card, as it has an intuitive, user-friendly interface that’s easy to set up and makes scheduling a snap. It also consistently performs well and includes an energy-monitoring feature that helps you track the connected device’s real-time and past energy consumption.The app’s homepage gives you a visual on all the connected devices and appliances in your home, and there are cute icons for customization. As an alternative, we love that you can also snap pics of your bedside lamp or coffee maker to keep the app organized. This smart plug four-pack is our best overall pick for all those reasons—plus you can’t beat the value at roughly $12.50 per plug. There’s no physical hub required, and setup is easy, plus the Mini is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.Key SpecsDimensions2.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 inCompatibility Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKitElectrical Rating15 A; 120 VProsReliable, user-friendly appNo hub required ConsNot compatible with Apple HomeKitThis Kasa smart plug is slightly larger than our best overall pick, and the two-pack is an excellent value at about $10 per plug (when it’s not discounted). Although it lacks the Mini’s energy-monitoring feature and isn’t compatible with Apple HomeKit, it pairs with the same reliable, user-friendly Kasa app as the Kasa plugs we tested. It also doesn’t require a hub for set up, so there’s no extra cost. Key SpecsDimensions2.6 x 1.5 x 2.4 inCompatibilityAmazon Alexa, Google AssistantElectrical Rating15 A; 120 VAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsConnects with other smart home devices Can dim lights Wide voice assistant compatibility Compatible with Apple HomeKitConsThe bridge required for remote use is sold separately If you’re in the market for a smart plug that specifically controls lighting, this one is your best bet. Unlike other smart plugs, the Lutron Caseta allows you to dim the lights in your house—rather than simply turn them on or off—and easily adjusts lighting to seasons. The Lutron app is as intuitive as the Kasa app and perhaps even more sophisticated given the nature of its functionality. However, the interface isn’t as much fun to use as Kasa’s. Another highlight is that it works with Apple HomeKit, in addition to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, plus other smart home products and devices, including the Ring video doorbell camera and the Sonos home sound system.The smart plug comes with a remote, but using it requires a Lutron Smart Bridge, which might be a dealbreaker for some.Key SpecsDimensions2 x 3.4 x 5.5 in.CompatibilityAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKitElectrical Rating120 VProsWorks seamlessly with Amazon home productsRelatively compactConsPrice for a single plug is significantly higher than competitionIf you live in an Alexa smart home, there’s really no reason to buy any other smart plug than this one. Everything about it—from setting it up to scheduling routines, timers, and other functions—works seamlessly through the Alexa app. Plus, it’s fairly compact and handles up to 15 amps, so you can use it with appliances that require more energy. Key SpecsDimensions3.2 x 1.5 x 2.2 inCompatibilityAmazon AlexaElectrical Rating15 A; 120 VAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCompatible with all smart home platformsCompact and streamline Works without Wi-FiAmong other favorable attributes, TP-Link’s Tapo smart plug is great buy because it supports Matter, a universal smart home protocol that connects devices across all platforms, making them compatible with each other. Another huge plus: Anything connected to this smart plug continues to work even if you’re offline because Matter uses a mesh network technology called Thread, so devices communicate locally as opposed to via the cloud.The simple design and compact size are also highlights, and we appreciate that this smart plug comes with a two-year warranty. Like other smart plugs we cover, scheduling happens through the app and there are special settings like away mode. You can’t beat the price, plus it’s available in value packs and with other related TP-Link devices.The only drawback is that, while the Tapo app allows you to group several smart plugs together, if you want to set a schedule, you need to do so for each individual plug—hopefully something Tapo fixes in future updates.ProsGreat energy monitoring and automatic peak-hour schedulingHandles up to 15 amps for higher-draw appliancesConsNot compatible with Apple HomeIf you want a smart plug that can keep up with your appliances, the Emporia is our go-to pick. It’s rated for a full 15 amps, so it comfortably handles higher-draw devices like space heaters and portable air conditioners that are too much for smaller plugs capped at 10 or 12 amps.What sets it apart, though, is the energy monitoring. The app shows real-time and historical power draw for whatever’s plugged in, plus automatic peak-hour scheduling to shave money off your electric bill. Setup is quick, the rounded design fits most outlets without blocking the second, and at around $12, it’s very affordable. The only real drawbacks are the lack of Apple Home support (it works with Alexa and Google Home).Key SpecsDimensions1.97 x 3.31 x 1.5 inCompatibilityAmazon Alexa, Google HomeElectrical Rating15 A; 120 VAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSurge protectionEasy-to-use appConsNot compatible with SiriHere’s another highly rated smart plug from Kasa that’s well worth considering if you need a power strip. While it may be relatively pricey compared to others here, you get what you pay for—and this thing delivers.Along with surge protection, it has six smart outlets, three USB ports for charging phones, tablets, and laptops, and it allows you to monitor energy for each plug. Plus, it has all the benefits of other Kasa products, including reliability and a great app.The three-prong plug’s slim profile keeps it flush with the wall, which is a nice design detail for any surge protector, and the smart strip works with Alexa and Google Assistant, though not Siri.Key SpecsDimensions10.24 x 2.5 x 1.52 in.CompatibilityAmazon Alexa, Google HomeElectrical Rating10.5 A; 125 VProsLong-range Wi-Fi up to 300 feetUser-friendly appConsDoesn’t support Apple HomeKitKasa’s outdoor smart plug works brilliantly for everything from swimming pool pumps to driveway lighting to sprinkler systems. It’s weather-resistant—though not waterproof—and has a Wi-Fi range of 300 feet. Plus you can control the outlets individually and each can handle up to 15 amps. It comes with all the perks of other Kasa products, including easy set up, a user-friendly app, and a reliable connection. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant, but not Apple HomeKit.Key SpecsDimensions‎4.3 x 1.5 x 3.2 inCompatibilityAmazon Alexa, Google AssistantElectrical Rating15 A; 125 VAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCompletely waterproof with IP65 ratingRated to minus 20 degreesConsSmart capability requires additional hub purchasePriceyWhile the price tag attached to this single outdoor smart plug may be pricey, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better waterproof option. It's also the best bet for holiday lights, as it features an IP65 rating, with all the internal electronics protected from harsh weather, plus it's rated to minus 20 degrees. There's a simple on/off switch and for an extra $20, it's available with a remote included.The plug uses the brand's Clear Connect technology rather than Wi-Fi and requires a Caséta Smart Hub, sold separately.Rachel is the Deputy Editor of Reviews for Hearst's Enthusiast and Wellness Group where she supports Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Best Products. Her background is in service journalism and earlier in her career she worked as a daily newspaper reporter and book editor. She spent more than a decade as a staff editor and writer at TripAdvisor and Penguin Random House and her byline has appeared in Time Out New York, the New York Daily News, and New York Magazine. Outside of work, Rachel can be found planning her next trip, visiting museums and galleries, and walking her wirehaired dachshund in Central Park.Stefan is an award-winning consumer technology editor with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets, particularly smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop and laptop computers across multiple form factors and platforms, as well as accessories for them. He also covers televisions and audio equipment, including headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and soundbars. Since joining Hearst in 2015, Stefan has contributed to BestProducts, Popular Mechanics, and numerous other publications. Prior to his current role, he served as the US Editor for GSMArena.com.